I love when people guess my age wrong. My favorite is when I get carded — who cares if it’s store policy to avoid lawsuits? I’ll take the implied compliment. However, that isn’t why I care so much about my skin.
For me, beauty goes deeper than that. It’s about nurturing my health and feeling my best. Your appearance says a lot about you, even impacting your career trajectory, no matter how unfair that may seem. That’s only one reason why I am so passionate about skincare.
1. I Enjoy Learning About What My Cells Need
Biology fascinates me and why more people aren’t interested in what makes their body tick baffles me. It is one of life’s great mysteries to learn how to nurture your cells and know what they need to last longer and keep you going stronger. For example, why does skin lose elasticity as you age? Is it simply stretching out like a worn rubber band or can you take measures to prevent it?
I’ve learned your skin becomes damaged over time, largely thanks to the harmful effects of free radicals. What are those? They’re scavengers produced from exposure to environmental toxins and stress. They run around stealing electrons from your body’s cells, leading to damage and death. Certain antioxidants — such as vitamin E — protect against this damage by directly interacting with these microscopic vultures, preserving a more youthful glow.
Although I focus my passion on skincare, I learn other fascinating health tips. For example, hyaluronic acid appears in multiple dermal fillers, helping keep your skin supple and plump. However, your body naturally produces this substance, which is why practices like yin yoga are so beneficial to achy joints — it helps lubricate and refresh the collagen fibers surrounding tight muscles, letting hydration and healing nutrients enter.
2. I Want to Reduce My Cancer Risk
Many people think of skin cancer as no big deal. You go in, get the suspicious growth removed and you’re golden — right? The real answer is a bit more complex. While most skin cancers are curable when caught early, letting them go untreated can be fatal and I’m not keen on leaving this Earth earlier than intended.
Therefore, I opt for quality, mineral-based sunscreens. Why that blend versus a chemical-based formula? For me, it’s a practical matter. I don’t have 30 minutes to wait before heading outdoors after a typical application — I cherish immediate protection.
I slather on sunblock every day, even in winter. Although it’s rare for skin cancer to metastasize, it does happen. Given the high price of health care in the United States, I don’t want to take any unnecessary risks of getting sick.
3. I Like to Fight the Aging Process
Hey, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look good for your age. Who couldn’t use a little extra dopamine boost from a stranger’s compliment to put a spring in their step for the rest of the day?
I accept that everyone ages and I hope to do so gracefully. There are more treatments available than ever to reverse some of the effects of a youth spent worshiping the sun. For example, advances in laser technology can address dark spots and minimize the appearance of fine lines. It’s the next best thing to aging in reverse.
4. Looking Good Helps Me Be a Better Person
Remember the old skit where comedian Billy Crystal declared, “It’s not how you feel. It’s how you look. And you look maah-velous.”? As it turns out, your appearance has quite a bit to do with your overall mood. It’s one of the reasons therapists recommend depressed patients take care of their basic hygiene needs as part of their treatment regimen.
When you look good, you feel better. Therefore, it’s easier for you to be kind and empathetic to other people around you. Try this experiment — spend a bit of extra time in the bathroom the next time you wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Put on one of your favorite outfits, glam yourself up a bit and see if you don’t feel more outgoing and cheerful when you finish.
5. Practicing Self-Care Is Important
Finally, practicing self-care matters. It’s so important that the World Health Organization defines it as a crucial way to maintain and promote health while encouraging better ways to manage existing conditions. Far from selfish, renewing yourself to give your best to others is necessary.
A few minutes in front of the mirror at night dabbing on various creams and ointments reminds me I matter, too. It’s critical relaxation time for me as a busy mom. Why not let your evening grooming routine soothe you into sleep?
Skin Care Is Self Care!
People often mistake an interest in skincare as vain. I see it differently — it’s a way to practice self-care and learn about total health.
The reasons above describe why I am so passionate about skincare. I encourage everyone to create a daily routine. You’ll see the results every time you look in the mirror.
